Episode 370 — Why Playing It Safe Is Killing Your Growth with Verne Harnish
What if the real risk isn’t taking bold action — but staying exactly where you are?
In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, author, founder of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), and Founder & CEO of Scaling Up, Verne Harnish shares timeless insights on scaling a business, developing high-performing teams, and why most leaders fall short when they lose their edge. From navigating uncertainty to rediscovering founder-mode, Verne challenges the safe, conventional wisdom that holds organizations back — and offers a blueprint for playing bigger, leading smarter, and building companies that endure.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why aggressive goals create more energy — and why incrementalism kills momentum
- What it means to rediscover your company’s “soul” — and how to lead from founder-mode
- How to replace weak managers with true team captains who drive performance
If you’re playing not to lose, you’re already falling behind — this episode is your call to play to win.
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Show Notes:
Playing it safe will kill your momentum. Verne Harnish warns that small goals don’t spark great performance. “Attainable goals is low energy. Yeah, ridiculous goals are low energy. But setting an ambitious goal — and your job is to be the chief energy officer.”
You can delegate almost everything — except the soul of your business. Founders must protect what makes their company different. “You can outsource, you can delegate everything. But the soul of the organization.”
A-players don’t need managers — they need captains. Instead of old-school management, Verne advocates for leadership from within. “Nobody wants managed… but they do want coached.”
Want to scale? Read more. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs are also obsessive learners. “Mark Cuban… still today, reads three hours a day looking for just one idea.”
Timing will make you look like a genius — or a fool. When it comes to scaling, Verne says being early or late can outweigh execution. “The market makes you look smart or the market makes you look dumb.”
Connect with Michael
- Text directly at 404-531-7691
